Talk:Unions NSW

Please update page

Hi I work at Unions NSW and have notice our page has become a little stagnate, could someone please help me to update our page happy for you to verify everything i have included below, its just a guide to make our page more relevant to a contemporary audience:

Unions NSW is the peak council of unions in New South Wales, Australia. It represents affiliated unions operating across a range of industries and occupations and serves as the principal coordinating body for the union movement in the state.

History

The organisation traces its origins to the labour movements campaign for an eight hour work day. Over time it developed into the state's peak union body, bringing together affiliated unions to pursue common industrial, economic and social objectives. In addition to supporting affiliated unions in industrial and policy matters, Unions NSW has played a role in public campaigns concerning workplace rights, wages, health and safety, and social policy.

As a peak council, Unions NSW differs from individual unions in that it primarily represents affiliated unions rather than directly representing workers in a particular occupation or industry. However, Unions NSW does conduct a number of activities that have a direct impact on union members and NSW workers. Most notably Unions NSW coordinates the Combined Rail Unions in their bargaining for wages and conditions for workers of Sydney and NSW Trains. Rail bargaining decides the wages and conditions of over 15,000 workers across numerous occupations throughout the rail industry including, train drivers, mechanics, train guards, cleaners, electricians and maintenance workers. Rail bargaining is often severely contested and historically has involved large amounts of industrial action often brining Unions NSW in conflict with the NSW government. Most recently the Secretary of Unions NSW Thomas Costa built a reputation leading the combined rail unions to successful outcomes in rail bargaining.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/the-4500-sticking-point-that-sent-sydney-trains-into-chaos-20250214-p5lc6r.html

Unions NSW also operates two migrant worker services. The first Visa Assist is an immigration legal service available to all union members in NSW. The second is the Refugee and Migrant Worker Centre an organisation run for and by temporary migrants, it focuses on outreach, support, advocacy and legal assistance for all migrant workers in NSW. Unions NSW governing structures are based on representation from unions across New South Wales.

Activities and campaigns

Unions NSW coordinates and supports campaigns on issues affecting workers throughout New South Wales. These have included advocacy relating to workplace health and safety, wage outcomes, industrial relations legislation, secure employment, labour hire regulation, and public sector employment policy.

The organisation has been involved in campaigns concerning the New South Wales public sector wages cap, reforms to industrial relations institutions, workplace safety legislation, and measures aimed at improving protections for vulnerable workers, including immigration legal reform. It also participates in policy development and advocacy on matters affecting working people more broadly, including housing affordability, skills and training, gender equity, migration, and future workforce challenges.

Migrant and refugee worker services

Unions NSW operates a number of programs intended to support vulnerable workers, including migrant and refugee workers.

Visa Assist is a unique program and a first of its kind in the union movement and in Australia. 9 years ago Unions NSW launched the Visa Assist program in partnership with Immigration and Rights Advice Centre. The purpose of the program is to provide immigration legal advice to all union members in NSW that require it. The need for the service came out of research that showed a majority of migrant workers were reluctant to come forward about underpayments and other workplace exploitation because they feared consequences for their visa. Visa Assist was launched in recognition of the vulnerability that migrant workers feel because of the interaction between their workplace rights and visa conditions which often means being exploited at work can lead to a visa cancellation. By offering Visa Assist unions nsw hopes to provide credible, timely and free advice to migrants about their visa rights so that they can also feel confident to enforce their employment rights. Visa Assist provides information and legal support to temporary visa holders experiencing workplace issues and seeking assistance in understanding their workplace rights and options. Visa Assist is only available to union members.

https://www.sbs.com.au/language/spanish/en/article/i-feel-angry-international-students-2500-pandemic-wage-theft-a-warning-to-others/1whi7d7dy

https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/i-could-be-on-the-street-emerging-underclass-of-jobless-temporary-residents-20200324-p54dgz.html

The Refugee and Migrant Workers Centre provides advice, education and legal support to workers from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The centre works with community organisations, unions and government agencies to address exploitation and improve access to workplace protections and since its launch in July has already conducted 40 regional visits and engaged over 20,000 migrant workers across the state. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/new-migrant-worker-centre-nsw-to-help-vulnerable/e0qmb5qgz

Research and advocacy conducted through these programs have contributed to public discussion of wage theft, underpayment, sham contracting and other forms of workplace exploitation affecting migrant workers. https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/employment-law/nsws-migrant-workers-at-risk-of-modern-slavery/585463

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-31/migrant-worker-scheme-uncovers-stolen-wages-modern-slavery/106512360

Young Workers Hub

Unions NSW operates the Young Workers Hub, a service focused on the workplace rights of young people. The hub provides information, education, support and resources relating to wages, workplace conditions and employment rights.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the organisation to engage younger workers and increase awareness of workplace rights among students, apprentices, trainees and young employees entering the labour market.

Leadership

The organisation is led by elected officers and governed through structures comprising representatives of affiliated unions.

Tcosta2134 (talk) 07:40, 4 October 2026 (UTC)